By Tom Choy - 
Vancouver, British Columbia

It is not farewell. It is just goodbye for now.” Our paths will cross again, Consul General( ConGen) Neill Ferrer.” That’s what over 400 people who gathered at St. Mary’s Ukranian Church Hall told Congen.

“Five years went fast but we are forever thankful to you Congen Ferrer for taking care of our OFWs in need of assistance,” declares Hon. Mable Elmore, MLA for Kensington, BC.

Newly minted Vancouver Councillor Hector Bremner spoke of Congen’s untiring support to the Fil-Canadian Community in Vancouver. “ConGen Ferrer exceeded our expectations,” Hector quips. Hector is married to a Filipina Mrs. Viriginia Austria Bremner. Councillor Bremner has declared his candidacy for Mayor perhaps under an independent political party.

Joel Castillo, President of the UFCABC (an umbrella organization) spoke highly of ConGen Ferrer and so with over a dozen other civic-oriented Fil-Canadian organizations.

Elena Agala, a community leader mentioned that ConGen Ferrer also showed up for the inaugural meeting of a newly formed Rotary chapter named Mount Pleasant Rotary, consisting of Fil-Canadian members.

ConGen Ferrer served from 2013 to present date. His consular office covered Vancouver and a portion of Western Canada.

There was a musical and dance show prepared to honor and entertain Congen Ferrer and his family. Mike Calingo, Goldie Dituri and Papa Bear emceed the event.

Treenee Lopez was the overall organizer of the event.